When you are shoveling snow off your driveway for the fifth day in a row, the temperature is in the single digits and you haven’t seen the sun in days, planning a spring vacation can be just what you need to lift your spirits and banish the winter blues. While the peak vacation months of July and August are also the months when most home break-ins occur, the fall and spring seasons also see their share of home break-ins.1 There are a number of things you can do to keep your home safe while you are basking in the sunshine on your spring break vacation.
Locksmiths have vast knowledge about security and how to optimize it, so here are some great tips to share.
Let the Right People Know You Are Going on Vacation
While it is tempting to announce your vacation plans on social media, it is also an invitation for burglars to take advantage of your absence. Make sure that your children are aware that they should not be letting people know that the family will be on vacation.2 You should, however, let your neighbors know when you are leaving and returning and how to reach you in case they have a concern.
If you have a neighborhood watch group, it is good to also alert them that you will be on vacation so they can keep an eye on your home. It is also a good idea to have a neighbor or friend check on your home several times while you are away. Make sure they know how to reach you in case they need to inform you of any issues. If you have a security company, let them know you will be out of town and set the alarm properly when you leave.3
Cancel the Mail, the Newspaper, and any Deliveries
It is easy to put a Hold Mail on your U.S. Post Office deliveries by going online .4You have the option of retrieving your mail at your local Post Office when you return or you can have your postal carrier deliver all the accumulated mail when you return. Make sure that any newspaper deliveries are suspended.
It is also a good idea to refrain from placing online orders that may be delivered while you are not home, as packages piled up on a front porch attract not only porch pirates but also burglars. Remember to reschedule any online subscription items that are sent at routine intervals.
Lock Your Home, Unplug Electronics and Remove the Hidden Key
While it may seem obvious, right before you leave you need to make a final check to be sure that all windows and doors have been locked. This includes the door to the attached garage, patio doors and all upper floor windows. Make sure that all appliances, such as your stove and fans, have been turned off.
It is also a good idea to unplug any electronic items, like desktop computers, coffee pots, televisions, etc. to protect them against unexpected power surges. Many people hide a key to their home outside the home. It is reported that up to 50 percent of burglaries involve a key, so it is best to remove your hidden key prior to leaving on vacation.5
Light Up the Night – Inside and Outside
Putting timers on interior and exterior lights is one of the best burglar deterrents, since a dark home is usually a vacant home.
These are just a few of the things you can do to keep your home safe while you are away. Having a properly installed home security system, having secure entry doors and locks, and having a home safe to store your valuables while you are away are also important security precautions.
A professional locksmith can provide you with all of these home security items which, in turn, will provide you with additional peace of mind while you are enjoying your vacation.
Call Action Locksmith to schedule an evaluation of your home’s security. Our family-owned locksmith company is an established Michigan business helping residents and businesses with all things locks, doors, and security.
Our residential locksmith and commercial locksmith services are highly regarded and trusted for good reason. We are available 24/7 to help you with any locksmith service you need!
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1 Home Burglary Statistics You Must Know in 2021, by James Mora, 4/8/2022
Link: https://dailyhomesafety.com/burglary-statistics/
2, 5 10 Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe While on Vacation by Sara Elliott
Link: https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/home-diy/projects/10-tips-for-keeping-house-safe-while-on-vacation.htm#:
3 Protect Your Home While on Vacation
Link: https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/ways-to-protect-your-home-when-you-travel
4 Receive Mail and Packages
Link: https://www.usps.com/manage/